Materials:
Gold plated copper
Coral
Turquoise
Lapis Lazuli

Dimensions & Weight:
Height: 18 inches
Width: 8 inches
Depth: 8 inches
Weight: 2.55 kilograms

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:
Master Nepali craftsman created this exquisite Buddhist Stupa with intricate inlay of coral, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. The Buddha inside the lotus is carved from coral; the moon at the apex is carved from turquoise. On the bottom is a double vajra.

The stupa itself is a symbol of the Buddha, and more accurately, of his enlightened mind and presence. The mound is said to represent the form of the seated Buddha (here Buddha is carved from coral), meditating and striving towards enlightenment. Finally, the spire represents enlightenment itself – the pinnacle of Buddhist achievement.

Other symbology:

1. Pinnacle: This is the symbol of Mt. Sumeru which is the King of Mountains. The great “mountain above the mountains” lies at the center of the universe and is believed to be the home of gods.
2. Umbrella: Considered to be the protector of three jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
3. Lotus: Symbolizes self-development, enlightenment, and purity because it is rooted in the mud, grows from dirty water and without getting dirty emerges as a symbol of beauty. It represents enlightened beings such as the Buddha himself.
4. Two Big Eyes: On all four sides of the main tower are giant pairs of eyes. These are the Buddha eyes of wisdom and symbolize the all-seeing ability of the Buddha.
5. Nose: Symbolizes Nirvana. Also said to represent the Nepali character for the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach enlightenment.
6. Dome: The dome is the symbol of the universe or vase of the treasure Mandala. It contains the jewels of enlightenment, the water of eternity, and votive offerings to the deities.
7. Mandala: The square Mandalas of the base depict earthly levels. The mandala is represented as an external expression to help find the universe within.

The stupa also may represent the five purified elements:
1. The square base represents earth
2. The hemispherical dome/vase represents water
3. The conical spire represents fire
4. The upper lotus parasol and the crescent moon represent air